The head teacher was also involved in campaigns to make the roads surrounding the school safer for pupils.

He regularly sent out reminders urging people to park with care and attention for other drivers and for parents and children crossing the road.

Mr Summers’ earlier career in education also saw him take on roles as a teacher at the former Cross Hall school and as a head master at both Seven Hills and Blackgates primary schools.

Richard Catherall, current head teacher at Seven Hills, said Mr Summers always made his pupils his priority.

He said: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing away of Cliff Summers.

“Cliff was head teacher at Seven Hills Primary School for eight years, from the late 1990s, and staff remember his time as head with great fondness.

“In the many different ways that education has changed at a national level over the years, Cliff always ensured that the best interests of Morley children came first.

“His kindness, hard work and sense of humour will be greatly missed.

“On behalf of all the community at Seven Hills may I pass on our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Nikki and family and all the staff, parents and children at Churwell Primary School.”

Mr Summers’ former pupils were among many that took to social media to pay their respects.

Laura Coupe said on Facebook: “What a wonderful head teacher Mr Summers was. My love and thoughts go out to his family.”

Kaz Williams added: “RIP Mr Summers the best head teacher I ever had.”

Heather Gomersall wrote: “He was a fantastic person as well as a head teacher. My kids loved him.”

Sarah Mcardle said: “Great head teacher at Blackgates all them years ago.”

And Sarah Crossland added: “Fantastic head at Seven Hills.”

Sharon Peat said: “Amazing head teacher, a beautiful soul and true gentleman. I hope that the Morley councillors will propose a lasting memorial in his name and open a book of condolence in the Town Hall. Love, thoughts and prayers to his family.”

Barbara Marsden wrote: “Oh I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. What a loss to education. Thoughts are with his family.”

And James Barr added: “Great head teacher. Will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”